Bradenton council approves contract with Woodard & Curran to operate wastewater plant

The Bradenton City Council voted unanimously on March 26 to approve Resolution 25‑37 and enter a cost‑plus operations and maintenance agreement with Woodard & Curran to run the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

City staff said the move responds to a multi‑year pattern of operational and infrastructure problems at the plant that were highlighted by storm damage last year. "Our plant has faced recurring exceedances and capacity stressors; this contract lets us bring specialized operational technology and expertise to bear," said Mr. Perry, a city staff member who presented the item to the council.

Why it matters: the plant is federally regulated and has experienced performance lapses and storm‑related damage that led to discharges and enforcement attention. The agreement is limited to operations and maintenance "inside the fence" at the treatment facility and does not transfer the city’s obligation for major capital improvements, according to staff. The plant’s authorized staffing is about 16 full‑time positions; staff reported 11 employees currently assigned there.

Woodard & Curran representatives outlined how the firm pairs day‑to‑day operations with asset‑management software, automated monitoring and a fiscal team that helps pursue state and federal funding for capital work. "We build partnerships geared to protect local assets and modernize operations," said Allison Watson, chief executive officer of Woodard & Curran. Company speakers emphasized employee transition plans and training for existing plant staff.

City legal staff reviewed state requirements for privatization contracts (Florida Statute 180.031). City counsel and the city’s litigation attorney for the Waterkeepers case said the environmental plaintiffs have expressed support for a third‑party operator as a path toward improved compliance. "Waterkeepers has requested the city consider an independent operator," said Travis Hearn, an attorney who spoke about the litigation context.

Public comment at the hearing included a resident who reported recent weekly water testing that showed elevated bacterial readings in parts of the Braden and Manatee rivers after storms. "We want the city to stop discharges and protect the waterways," said Barbara Person Tresini, a Bradenton resident.

What the contract means in practice: city staff said the agreement is a cost‑plus model with a fixed management fee and invoiced pass‑through costs; the city keeps responsibility for capital projects that exceed routine maintenance. Staff also said the contract will give the city monthly operational reports and access to the firm’s technology and grant‑funding support, while the firm commits to offer employment opportunities and training to current employees.

The council approved the resolution by a 5‑0 roll call after a public hearing. The agreement will take effect once final signatures and any required administrative steps are completed; the city has not specified an exact start date.